Unveiling Thailand's Best Kept Secret Beaches.

What if I told you that Thailand's best beaches aren't the ones you've heard of, but the ones you haven't?

Day-by-Day Exploration of Hidden Thai Beaches.

As someone who has weathered the icy chill of Siberia and the towering Canadian Rockies, I have earned my fair share of sun, sand, and sea. And what better place to thaw out than the tropical paradise of Thailand? This isn't your run-of-the-mill Paris travel guide or a typical guide on budget travel in Bali. Prepare yourself for a day-by-day exploration of Thailand's best-kept secrets.

Day 1: Mai Khao Beach, Phuket.

My first stop on this sun-soaked adventure was Mai Khao Beach in Phuket. I arrived there on a sunny afternoon after a bumpy tuk-tuk ride that cost me 500 Baht, about the price of a vintage bottle of vodka. The locals told me it's the longest beach in Phuket, and by the looks of it, they weren't lying.

As I strolled along the seemingly endless sandy shoreline, I couldn't help but notice a strange sight – a group of locals engaged in an intense round of beach cricket. I was invited to join the game and quickly learned the hard way that cricket is not my sport. I didn't mind though, the laughter and camaraderie were worth every clumsy swing I took!

A word of caution though, avoid this area during the turtle nesting season. This beach becomes a crucial nesting ground for turtles, and the last thing we want is to disturb these beautiful creatures.

Day 2: Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe.

As the name suggests, Sunset Beach on Koh Lipe is the place to be for an unforgettable sunset. After a boat ride costing 650 Baht, I found myself on a beach that seemed to exist for the sole purpose of romancing the sun.

The vibrant hues of the setting sun painted the sky in tones I can't even begin to describe. Let's just say, it was a sunset that would make even the most stoic vintage mural blush. As the sun went down, I shared a few cold beers with a friendly local fisherman. "This is the real Thailand," he said, "no crowds, just peace and beauty."

But it's not all idyllic sunsets and cheap beers. A local warned me about a scam where boatmen charge exorbitant fees from tourists for a short ride back to the mainland. Always negotiate and agree on a price before hopping onto a boat.

Just like the Paris travel guide I used to navigate the city of love, I always try to take a personal approach to finding the perfect beachfront abode in Thailand. After all, the right place can make you feel more immersed in the culture, without breaking the bank like my budget travel in Bali taught me.

Homestays in Phuket.

My taxi driver, a stout man with a great sense of humor, explained that the locals know Phuket as the “Pearl of Andaman.” A popular destination among tourists, it can be a bit pricier than exploring the Canadian Rockies. But, if you know where to look, you can find great deals.

I decided to try a homestay. At a meager 1,000 baht per night, I found myself staying with the lovely Mrs. Nuch, just a stone's throw from Patong Beach. The locals told me that Mrs. Nuch makes the best mango sticky rice in town, and boy, they weren't kidding! Beware, though. Her house is popular among the locals, so you might have to deal with the occasional queue forming right outside her kitchen!

Boutique Resorts in Koh Lipe.

After Phuket, I took a ferry ride to Koh Lipe. It cost me 1,800 baht, and the locals told me that the ferries only operate twice a day, 9am and 2pm sharp. Koh Lipe, with its crystal clear waters, reminded me of a postcard I once saw of the Maldives.

There's a strange yet delightful vintage mural of a Thai fisherman still intact on Sunrise Beach. It's a favorite spot among the locals, and they love telling stories about the mysterious artist who painted it.

One of the boutique resorts in Koh Lipe, the Serendipity Beach Resort, is a true gem. With bungalows that cost about 3,000 baht per night, it's a little steeper compared to Phuket. But the view of the turquoise sea from your private veranda? Priceless. Also, they have the friendliest resident dog, Lucky, who just loves to sunbathe with the guests.

Diving into Thailand's Beach Food Scene.

The last time I visited Thailand, I left a bit of my heart there. Not because of a romantic encounter, but rather due to the astonishingly alluring beach food scene that had me hooked! Let me take you down memory lane as I explore the street food stalls and fresh seafood markets of this beautiful country.

Street Food Stalls.

While preparing for my trip, I went through numerous travel guides— a Paris travel guide, a guide for budget travel in Bali, and even one exploring the Canadian Rockies. But none prepared me for the mouth-watering delight that is Thai street food. I found myself returning to the same vendor on Patong Beach, Phuket, every day at 4 pm, like a man bewitched by the spellbinding aroma of spicy Pad Thai. It cost me just 50 Baht a portion (about $1.50) — an absolute steal!

Speaking of steals, there are, unfortunately, scam artists who try to overcharge tourists for street food. "Always ask for the price first, my friend," he'd told me. not heeding this advice can leave you paying 500 Baht for a 50 Baht meal.

Fresh Seafood Markets.

While wandering near the beaches of Krabi, I stumbled upon the local seafood market. It was a whole new world. Mountains of prawns, lobsters, and mussels lay in abundance. I ended up buying a king-sized lobster which, as the vendor promised, was 'caught fresh this morning.' It cost me a mere 600 Baht (about $18) — the same would have cost me a small fortune back home.

One of the vendors shared a local legend about a fisherman who caught a golden fish and became the richest man in Thailand. He laughed heartily as he saw the incredulous look on my face, "Just a story, my friend, but you never know."

Now, as much as the seafood market is a goldmine for seafood lovers, there's a catch. You'll find a few vintage styled ‘restaurants’ near the market where you can get your purchases cooked. They promise a delectable meal but deliver barely edible food and hefty bills. My advice? Stick to buying the seafood and cook it yourself in your hotel or hostel kitchen.

‘Street food in Thailand is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get, but you're in for a treat!’ - My Thai Taxi Driver.

Remember, while exploring the Thai food scene, don't forget to try the exotic fruit they offer. But, beware of the Durian fruit, popularly known as the 'king.

The Unspoken Rules of Thai Beaches.

I always say, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." But here we are talking about Thailand, not Rome. As you're packing your swimsuit and sunnies, let me tell you, Thailand's beaches are not your usual sandy stretch. They have a unique culture and tradition that you need to respect, and if you don't, you might end up feeling like a fish out of water, or worse, ending up in an unnecessary confrontation.

Beach Etiquette.

Coming from my Paris travel guide., where I managed to get away with almost anything, Thai beaches were a revelation. The first lesson in beach etiquette I learned the hard way, when stripping down to my speedos at Hat Sai Kaew, as a local laughed and said, "Mister, this is not the French Riviera." It cost me a few embarrassed smiles and an impromptu shopping trip costing 500 Baht for a pair of locally acceptable swim shorts.

Also, forget what you've learned about budget travel in Bali.. Here, you're expected to patronize the establishments lining the beach, whether it's for a 60 Baht Chang beer or a 200 Baht beach chair to bask in the sun. It's their way of life, their livelihood. It's better to sip on a cold beer than get nasty glares from beachside vendors. Trust me on this.

Local Customs and Traditions.

Thai beaches are not just for sunbathing and water sports, they are also deeply rooted in local customs. Surprisingly, "the locals told me", they still observe several age-old traditions and rituals. During my visit to Koh Samui, I was lucky enough to witness an annual ritual where locals set adrift tiny boats, or krathongs, in the sea on a full moon night. It's called Loi Krathong, and it's their way of paying homage to the goddess of water.

Also, don't be surprised if you see small spirit houses or shrines near the beach premises. They believe it protects the area from bad spirits. So, don't take any selfies or crack any jokes around these sacred spaces. And definitely, no drunken shenanigans. I watched a boisterous tourist learn this the hard way, with some serious tongue lashing from a local granny.

Even though we're a long way from the vintage elements. that dot my adventures exploring the Canadian Rockies., I did spot a familiar sight in Pattaya – a statue of Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, a Eastern European submarine officer trained in.

Offbeat Beach Attractions.

While my Paris travel guide. had me exploring the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, and my budget travel in Bali. was spent admiring temples and rice terraces, I had a different plan in mind for Thailand. The idea was to go off the beaten path and discover the unusual, the abandoned, and the quirky side of Thailand's beaches.

Abandoned Resorts.

The locals told me about an abandoned resort in the heart of Ko Samui, a place that was closed down years ago but still stands eerily overlooking the beach. It was reasonably pricede legal trouble, the place was abandoned."

The dilapidated buildings, overgrown with foliage, gave off an eerie yet fascinating vibe. It was a stark contrast to the pristine beaches and bustling resorts I was used to. The vintage architecture of the resort, with its angular buildings and concrete structures, was still intact. Stray dogs wandered around, marking their territory in this abandoned piece of paradise.

exploring these abandoned buildings can be dangerous. Wear sturdy shoes to avoid stepping on any rusty nails or broken glass. as it is not patrolled by security.

Expat Hideouts.

Next, I decided to venture into the expat hideouts. These are the places where the foreign long-term residents have created their own little havens away from the tourist rush. One such place is the small town of Bang Por, popular among retirees from around the world.

At first glance, it reminded me of exploring the Canadian Rockies., with its laid-back vibe and natural beauty, minus the mountains of course. Here, small beach bars and humble eateries replaced the glitzy clubs and high-end restaurants found in busier parts of Thailand.

"We came for a holiday and never left," a jovial British expat told me over a cold Chang beer. "It's like we've found our piece of paradise."

Despite the comfort and the charm, it's important to remember that these communities are still part of Thailand and thus, scams are not unheard of. Be careful while renting properties or making any significant investments.

My dear fellow travellers, let's get serious for a moment. As much as I love the golden sunsets, jade-green waters, and friendly locals in Thailand, there are some safety concerns that you need to be aware of. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. So, in the spirit of full disclosure, let’s dive into some common scams and safety tips for Thailand's beaches. Hang onto your sun hats!

Common Scams.

It was my taxi driver who first opened my eyes to the scams that abound on Thailand's beaches. As he navigated the bustling streets of Phuket, he explained, "Jet ski rental, bad idea. They ask big money for small damage. You pay 15,000 baht, maybe more."

Beware the jet-ski scam, my friends! It's a notorious one. You rent a jet-ski, have a great time, and return it only to be accused of damaging it. The repair costs? Astronomical. I’d recommend sticking to beachside paddle boarding or snorkeling instead.

Then there's the "map scam." As I strolled down the beach one afternoon, a friendly local approached me with a map, offering to guide me to some "hidden gems." Little did I know, these locations often involve overpriced tourist traps or worse, unsafe areas. As my fellow traveller from Paris once told me, "It's like a Paris travel guide - you have to know where to look and what to avoid."

Safety Tips.

Thailand beaches are breathtaking, but they also hold some hidden dangers. My advice? Always wear good water shoes. the seafloor can be spiky with hidden sea urchins. Nothing ruins a day at the beach like a painful, unexpected sting.

And then there's the riptide risk. As one local fisherman told me, "Many people, they not respect the sea. They think it's a swimming pool. But the sea, she can pull you out. You have to be careful."

Despite these cautions, don't let the risks prevent you from exploring the spectacular beaches of Thailand. Just like budget travel in Bali or exploring the Canadian Rockies, it's all about being prepared and informed.

Stuff I Wish I Knew Before Hitting Thai Beaches.

When I first stepped off the plane and into Thailand, I was as naive as a Paris travel guide not speaking a word of French. I imagined the beaches would welcome me with open arms, instead, they handed me a cocktail of lessons, some of them difficult to swallow. So, let me save you from the tequila shots of wisdom and give you the fun, fruity insights instead.

Preparation Tips.

Do Not Feed The Monkeys.

Let me start off with a simple warning. Don't feed the monkeys, and by monkeys, I mean the actual monkeys, not the lovely local folks. A Bangkok native once told me, Only feed the monkeys if you want to get bit. At the time, I laughed it off, but he was not joking.

In the heat of the moment, feeding a cute monkey a piece of my banana seemed harmless. 15 seconds later, I was frantically googling "rabies clinics in Thailand". Take it from me, admire from a distance.

Respect The Sun.

Coming from the cold climate of the Canadian Rockies, I was eager to soak up every ray of Thai sunshine. But, dear sunbathers, the Thai sun is not your friend. It's a fiery beast that will roast you to a crisp if you don't show it respect. I learned this the hard way, wandering around Phuket for days looking like a red human-lobster.

Don't forget to pack a good sunscreen, one with an SPF of 50 or higher, and reapply often. Believe me, your skin will thank you.

Hidden Costs.

Budget travel in Bali had me fooled into thinking that I wouldn't spend a penny in Thailand. But just like that local artwork in some hidden corner of the city, some hidden costs caught me off guard.

For instance, did you know that some Thai beaches charge an entry fee? The lovely Freedom Beach in Phuket cost me 200 Baht ($6) for access. And the taxi ride? Another 500 Baht ($15).

Another hidden cost? The beach vendors. They're like stray dogs, everywhere, selling everything from inflatables to coconut drinks. My advice? Haggle. As my taxi driver explained, First price not good price. It takes a bit of practice, but it can save you a few bucks.

And lastly, beware the Jet Ski scam. It's a classic one in Pattaya, where you rent a Jet Ski, and when you return it.

Frequently Asked Questions.

This section provides detailed information about the topic.

Is it safe to swim in all Thai beaches?

While Thailand's beaches are generally safe, there are some with strong currents. I'll share some safety tips based on my experiences.

Are Thai beaches crowded?

Most touristy beaches can get crowded, but the hidden gems I'll introduce you to are relatively quiet and serene.

Final Thoughts.

Thailand's beaches are more than just beautiful landscapes; they're gateways to a rich and diverse culture that's waiting to be explored.

Want more offbeat adventures? Check out our other GlobalOdyssey guides: Exploring the Canadian Rockies, Paris Travel Guide, Budget Travel in Bali.